Abstract:

A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender
container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container
includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and
blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for
desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on
a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal
display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection
of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the
appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the
preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.

Claims:

1-11. (canceled)

12. An attachment for placing on a blender base, comprising:a base for
fitting onto a blender base that is configured to receive at least two
different types of containers, the blender base comprising a sensor
system, the sensor system for detecting the type of container on the
blender base; andan actuator for actuating the sensor system.

13. The attachment of claim 12, wherein the attachment comprises a
container.

14. The attachment of claim 13, wherein the container comprises a food
processor.

15. The attachment of claim 13, wherein the container comprises: a jar for
a blender, and a blender blade unit.

16. The attachment of claim 12, further comprising a blender blade unit.

17. The attachment of claim 12, wherein the sensor system of, the blender
base comprises a plurality of sensors, each sensor capable of separate
actuation, and wherein the actuator actuates at least one of the
plurality of sensors when the attachment is on the blender base.

18. The attachment of claim 12, wherein the attachment is capable of
fitting on the blender base in a plurality of orientations, and wherein
the attachment further comprises a plurality of actuators arranged so
that at least one actuator may actuate the first sensor when the
container is in the variety of orientations

19-33. (canceled)

34. A blade base and unit for a blender comprising:a blade unit;a blade
base; andan extraction mechanism for releasing the blade unit from the
blade base.

35. The blade base and unit of claim 34, wherein the extraction mechanism
permits the release of the blade unit without the use of tools.

36. The blade base and unit of claim 35, wherein the blade unit is mounted
on a shaft that is attached to the blade base, and wherein the extraction
mechanism comprises a cap mounted on the shaft, wherein squeezing of the
cap permits removal of the cap and the blade unit.

54. The blender base of claim 53, further comprising speed controls for
setting the speed of the motor in both the reverse and forward
directions.

55. The blender base of claim 54, wherein the speed controls comprise at
least one triac.

56-68. (canceled)

68. A blender base comprising:a motor;a user interface;a display; anda
microcontroller in communication with the motor and the user interface,
and comprising memory, the memory including information regarding a
number of recipes, the microcontroller being operative to retrieve a
recipe from the memory in response to user selection of an input
associated with the recipe and to display the recipe on the display.

69. The blender base of claim 68, wherein the memory comprises
preprogrammed motor routines associated with the recipes, the
microcontroller being operative to retrieve a respective preprogrammed
motor routine from the memory in response to user selection of an input
on the user interface associated with the associated recipe.

70. The blender base of claim 69, wherein the microcontroller is
configured to generate an audible tone upon completion of the routine.

71. The blender base of claim 69, wherein the preprogrammed routine
includes a pause in which ingredients should be added, and wherein the
microcontroller is configured to generate an audible tone at the pause.

72. The blender base of claim 68, wherein the blender base is configured
to receive at least two different containers, and further comprising a
sensor assembly disposed in the blender base operative to detect a
particular container on the base, and wherein the microcontroller is
operative to retrieve and implement a respective one of the recipes upon
detection of the container.

73-76. (canceled)

77. A container for use with a blender, comprising:ajar;a blade base
removably attachable to the jar;a lid with an opening therethrough, the
lid adapted to fit over the jar; anda cap configured to fit into the
opening, the cap being capable of forming a connection with the blade
unit to disengage the blade unit from the jar.

78. The container of claim 77, wherein the cap includes a top and a
projection extending from the top, the projection comprising a plurality
of notches for engaging the blade unit.

79. The container of claim 78, wherein the blade base includes ribs that
are engaged by the notches.

80-85. (canceled)

86. A blender comprising:a blender base have a drive unit and a male drive
member that is driven by the drive unit, the male drive member comprising
metal; anda blade base comprising a blade unit and a female driven
member, the female driven member configured to rotate with the blade unit
and to fit over the male drive member, the female drive member comprising
metal.

87. The blender of claim 86, wherein the drive unit comprises a shaft, and
further comprising an insulating bushing for attaching the drive shaft to
the male drive member.

88. The blender of claim 87, wherein the male drive element comprises
upper and lower surfaces, and wherein the bushing extends at least
partially between the upper and lower surfaces.

89. The blender of claim 88, wherein the shaft extends into the bushing,
and at least partially between the upper and lower surfaces.

90. The blender of claim 89, wherein the bushing is mounted substantially
between the upper and lower surfaces.

91-94. (canceled)

95. A blender and food processor system, comprising:a blender base
comprising a drive unit;a blender container comprising a blade base for
attaching to the blender base and having a blender blade unit, wherein
operation of the blender base when the blade base is on the blender base
causes operation of the blender blade unit;a food processor container
having a food processor base for attaching to the blender base, and
including a food processor blade unit, wherein operation of the blender
base when the food processor base is on the blender base causes operation
of the food processor blade unit.

96. The blender and food processor system of claim 95, further comprising
a sensor on the blender base for determining whether the food processor
container or the blender container is mounted on the blender base.

97-104. (canceled)

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The present invention relates generally to household appliances, and
more particularly to blenders and food processors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]Blenders are household devices often used to blend or mix drinks or
liquids. On the other hand, food processors are household devices
commonly used to chop, cut, slice, and/or mix various solid foods such as
vegetables, fruits, or meats. Different blade designs and rotation speeds
are used in a blender or a food processor in order to accomplish the
mixing or cutting actions desired.

[0003]Conventional household blenders typically have a motor connected to
a blade assembly, and the speed of the rotating blade or motor may be
varied based on selections made by the user.

[0004]For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,678,288 to Swanke et al. describes a
blender having seven speed selection push buttons. The push-buttons drive
slider elements that close switches so as to selectively energize various
combinations of fields in a drive motor having multiple fields. Field
selection provides seven speeds in a high range. Seven speeds in a low
range are obtained by applying only half cycles of the AC energizing
voltage to the motor when certain combinations of the switches are
actuated. Once a speed selection push button is depressed, the motor is
energized until an OFF switch is actuated. The device also has a jogger
or pulse mode pushbutton that energizes the motor at one speed only as
long as the pushbutton is depressed. Pulsing the motor on/off or at high
and then low speeds permits the material being blended to fall back to
the region of the cutting knives thereby improving the blending or mixing
of the material.

[0005]U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,351 to Ernster et al. describes a blender having
a rotary switch for selecting a high or low range of speeds and five
pushbutton switches for selecting a speed within the selected range. The
pushbutton switches connect various segments of the motor field winding
in the energizing circuit. This device also includes a pulse mode
pushbutton that causes energization of the motor only as long as the
pushbutton is depressed. The motor may be energized in the pulse mode at
any selected speed.

[0006]U.S. Pat. No. 3,548,280 to Cockroft describes a blender provided
with 10 speed selection switches. A SCR is connected in series with the
motor and has a control electrode connected to resistances that are
brought into the electrode circuit by actuation of the speed selection
switches to control the angle of firing of the SCR and thus the speed of
the motor. This device also has a mode selection switch for selecting the
manual mode or a cycling or pulse mode in which the motor is alternately
energized and deenergized over a plurality of cycles, the number of
cycles being set by a potentiometer controlled by a rotatable knob. In a
preferred embodiment, the on and off intervals are set during manufacture
but two potentiometers may be provided to enable an operator to vary the
on and off times.

[0007]U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,205 to Piland describes a blender with a
microcontroller for controlling energization of the blender drive motor.
The speed of the motor is determined by a manual selection of N speed
range selection switches, M speed selection switches, and a pulse mode
switch.

[0008]Typically, the blade attachment in conventional blenders consists of
two generally U-shaped blades, a top blade and a bottom blade, joined
together at a central point with their respective ends oriented in
opposite directions. Because of this blender blade design, conventional
blenders usually are not able to successfully chop, slice, or cut solid
food because solid food does not flow into the U-shaped blades without
adding liquid. Although the solids may make some contact with the blades,
typically at least some liquid must be added to the blender in order to
successfully liquefy or cut the solid food into very small pieces.

[0009]Another drawback with blenders is the number of different operations
that must be performed to successfully blend mixture. Typically, to blend
or mix items in a blender, a user will press a sequence of buttons on the
blender. For example, to chop ice, a user may hit a slow button, wait a
while, hit a faster speed, wait, hit yet a faster speed, etc. The user
may have to stop the blending process to dislodge ice or to assure the
ice is coming into contact with the blades. This process can be very
frustrating, and with conventional blenders may still result in an
unsatisfactory chopping or blending of the items in the blender.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010]In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a blender is
provided that is programmed to accomplish predetermined functions and
routines. The routines are preprogrammed into a microcontroller of the
blender and include motor commands that are automatically accessed and
implemented upon selection of a desired function. For example, the
blender may be preprogrammed with a plurality of routines designed for
particular food or drink items, such as by taking a particular sequence
of motor commands (e.g., direction of rotation, speed, duration or time
of rotation, etc.) which are automatically implemented based on the
function (e.g., end result) selected by the user.

[0011]In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a blender
includes a blender base, a container, and a blade base having a blade
unit mounted thereon. The blender base includes a motor, a
microcontroller, a sensor, and a user interface. The microcontroller is
in communication with the motor, and user interface, and can include read
only memory, nonvolatile memory, and a central processing unit. The
programs with preprogrammed motor commands are stored in the read only
memory.

[0012]The motor is preferably operable to rotate the blade unit in forward
and reverse directions, and to oscillate the blade unit as desired. In a
preferred embodiment, the motor is a dual wound motor, but other
configurations may be used.

[0013]The connection between a shaft for the motor and the blade base may
be implemented in a number of ways, but preferably is formed by a male to
female connection. In accordance with one aspect of the present
invention, both the female and male connection pieces are made of metal.
This connection permits a close tolerance fit, as well as a low wear
connection. To prevent shock to a user, in accordance with another aspect
of the present invention, an insulating bushing is used to isolate the
outer surface of the male drive from the metal shaft of the motor.
Preferably, the insulating bushing is captured within the male drive
member, adding stability and limiting shear stresses in the bushing.

[0014]The blender base may be utilized with a number of different
components, including a jar having an integral collar, a threaded jar, a
single serving beverage container, and a food processor. The jars may
include a nonstick coating, such as Teflon. One or more sensors may be
present on the blender base to detect the presence of and type of
container in which the mixing or processing will take place.

[0015]In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a novel
blade unit is provided for a blender. The blade unit enables improved
food processing and chopping capabilities. The blade unit is mounted on a
blade base, and includes a generally U-shaped blade assembly such as is
used in contemporary blenders. In addition, the blade unit includes a
second blade assembly that extends substantially radially to the driving
axis of the blade unit. In an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a third blade assembly is provided that is also generally
U-shaped. In this exemplary embodiment, the first blade assembly is
arranged so that its blades extend upward, and the third blade assembly
is arranged so that its blades extend downward. The second,
radially-extending blade assembly is sandwiched between the first and
third blade assemblies.

[0016]A detachment mechanism may be provided that permits a user to easily
detach the blade unit from its base. In addition, in accordance with
another aspect of the present invention, a cap for the jar is configured
so that it fits into the blade base and can be used to remove the blade
base from the jar.

[0017]In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a sensor
is provided that is arranged and configured to determine strain on the
motor. For some routines that are executed by the blender base, if the
strain exceeds a threshold, then the microcontroller instructs the motor
to reverse directions, permitting dislodging of blocking particles.

[0018]Other features and advantages will become apparent from the
following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a front, left, perspective view of a blender base and
container incorporating the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a number of
components that may be attached to the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the blender base and
blender container of FIG. 1, showing a blade base that connects to the
blender base;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a back, left perspective view of the blender base of FIG.
1;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a jar for the blender
container of FIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a lid and cap assembly for
use with blender container of FIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the blade base and blade unit shown
in FIG. 3;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a side view of the top blade for the blade unit shown in
FIG. 8;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a side view of the bottom blade for the blade unit shown
in FIG. 8;

[0029]FIG. 11 is a top view of the middle blade for the blade unit shown
in FIG. 8;

[0030]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a blade unit utilizing an
extraction mechanism in accordance with one aspect of the present
invention;

[0031]FIG. 13 is a cutaway view of the extraction mechanism of FIG. 12,
with the extraction mechanism shown in a released position;

[0032]FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of the extraction mechanism of FIG. 12,
with the extraction mechanism shown in a locked position;

[0033]FIG. 15 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the blender
container of FIG. 1, with the cap of FIG. 7 shown aligned with the blade
base;

[0034]FIG. 16 is a partial cutaway of the bottom of the blender jar of
FIG. 1, showing a beginning step of inserting the blade base with the
cap;

[0035]FIG. 17 is a partial cutaway, similar to FIG. 16, showing a further
step of inserting the blade base with the cap;

[0036]FIG. 18 is a partial cutaway, similar to FIGS. 16 and 17, showing
full insertion of the blade base with the cap;

[0037]FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing how a single serving
beverage container attaches to a collar and fits onto the blender base of
FIG. 1;

[0038]FIG. 20 is a side perspective view showing attachment of a food
processor to the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0039]FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing components that may be used to
implement the features of the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0040]FIG. 22 is a simplified circuit diagram for a motor that may be used
with the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0041]FIG. 23 is a simplified circuit diagram for another motor that may
be used with the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0042]FIG. 24 is a simplified circuit diagram for yet another motor that
may be used with the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0043]FIG. 25 shows a routine that may be implemented by the blender base
of FIG. 1 to mix powdered drinks;

[0044]FIG. 26 shows a routine that may be implemented by the blender base
of FIG. 1 to make batter;

[0045]FIG. 27 shows a routine that may be implemented by the blender base
of FIG. 1 to form a milkshake;

[0046]FIG. 28 shows an example of a user interface that may be used on the
blender base of FIG. 1;

[0047]FIG. 29 shows a second example of a user interface that may be used
on the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0048]FIG. 30 shows a third example of a user interface that may be used
on the blender base of FIG. 1;

[0049]FIG. 31 shows a method of operating the blender base of FIG. 1 with
the user interface of FIG. 28 in accordance with one aspect of the
present invention;

[0050]FIG. 32 shows a method of operating the blender base of FIG. 1 with
the user interface of FIG. 29 or 30 in accordance with another aspect of
the present invention;

[0051]FIGS. 33-37 show displays of some functions that may be presented by
the user interface of FIG. 29; and

[0052]FIG. 38 shows a method of enabling functions for a blender base in
accordance with a particular container sensed the blender base in
accordance with one aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053]In the following description, various aspects of the present
invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific
configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent
to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced
without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be
omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention.

[0054]Referring now to the drawing, in which like reference numerals
represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a blender
30 incorporating many features of the present invention. Briefly
described, in accordance with one aspect of the invention and as is best
shown in FIG. 2, the blender 30 includes a blender base 32 that may be
utilized with a number of different components, including a jar 34 having
an integral collar (hereinafter "collared jar 34"), a threaded jar 36, a
single serving beverage container 38, and a food processor 40. As
subsequently described, the blender base 32 is preprogrammed with a
plurality of routines designed for particular food or drink items, for
example, by taking a particular sequence of motor commands (e.g.,
direction of rotation, speed, duration or time of rotation, etc.) which
are automatically implemented based on the function (e.g., end result)
selected by the user. Additionally, sensors may be present on the
apparatus of the present invention to detect the presence of and type of
container in which the mixing or processing will take place. Other novel
features of the present invention will become apparent below.

[0055]Turning now to FIG. 3, the blender base 32 includes four feet 42 for
placing the blender base on a surface such as a table. Rounded, tapered
sides 43 lead to an attachment base 44. An attachment protrusion 46 is
mounted on the top of the attachment base 44, and includes tapered sides
having alternating triangular-shaped concave surfaces 48 and convex
surfaces 50 (detail is further shown in FIG. 4). The upper outer shell of
the blender base 32 may be extruded as a single piece of plastic, or
alternatively may be cast as several pieces and assembled. In addition,
the blender base may be formed of other suitable materials, such as
metal, for example.

[0056]The concave surfaces 48 are configured so that their bases are at
the top of the attachment protrusion, whereas the convex surfaces 50 are
configured so that their bases are at the bottom. The top 52 of the
attachment protrusion 46 is flat, and includes a rotation lock 54 and a
male drive element 56. The rotation lock 54 is preferably a male
protrusion shaped like a fin. The male drive element 56 is shaped like a
gear and includes a number of teeth 58 (FIG. 4). In the embodiment shown,
there are 16 teeth, but the male drive element 56 may be designed to have
any number of teeth as appropriate.

[0057]The male drive element 56 is preferably formed of metal, and, as is
subsequently described, a corresponding female drive element for
containers that are attached to the blender base is also preferably
metal. The metal-to-metal contact ensures limited wear, a close tolerance
fitting, and reduces the likelihood of broken parts. However, one problem
that may be encountered with a metal-to-metal connection is that, if an
electrical motor is used, a user may experience shock from voltage
flowing through the male drive element 56. To alleviate this problem, as
can be seen in FIG. 5, the present invention utilizes an insulating
bushing 60 to insulate the male drive element 56 from a motor shaft 64.
To do so, the male drive element includes an outer ring 62 and an inner
metal attachment 63. The teeth 58 are mounted on the outside of the outer
ring 62. The inner metal attachment 63 fits onto the motor shaft 64. The
insulating bushing 60 is preferably formed of rubber, although any
insulating material may be used.

[0058]The insulating bushing 60 is designed and arranged so that it fits
fully inside the outer ring 62. In addition, the metal attachment 63 is
preferably designed and configured so that the metal attachment fits
fully within the bushing 60. This structure offers maximal stability, in
that most shear stresses applied by the motor shaft 64 may be uniformly
transferred to the outer ring 62 through the bushing 60. Thus, a shear
along the length,of the bushing (i.e., top to bottom in FIG. 5) does not
occur. Although variations of this structure may be used, it is preferred
that the metal attachment 64 be at least partially surrounded by the
outer ring 62, so that the outer ring and metal attachment's stiff
structures may provide stability for the bushing 60, and so that shear
forces in the bushing may be minimized.

[0059]A pair of first and second sensor switches 66, 67 (FIG. 4) are
included at the junction of the top 52 and the convex and concave
surfaces 48, 50, the function of which is subsequently described. In the
embodiment of the blender base 32 shown in the drawings, the first and
second sensor switches 66, 67 are mounted on opposite side of the apex of
one of the convex surfaces 50.

[0060]A user interface panel 68 is mounted on the front of the rounded,
tapered sides 43. As described below, various user interfaces may be
displayed on the user interface panel 68.

[0061]The blender base 32 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 with the collared jar
34. However, as described above, the blender base 32 may be used with any
number of different blending processing units that may serve different or
overlapping functions. In general, each blending or processing unit that
is to be used with the blender base 32 includes a container and a blade
assembly of some kind. The blender base 32 includes a drive mechanism and
attachment method that allows the blender to be used with the different
containers. As described subsequently, this container flexibility even
allows the blender base 32 to operate purely as a food processor, if
desired.

[0062]The collared jar 34 is one example of a container that may be used
with the blender base 32. The collared jar 34 is preferably generally
cylindrical in shape, and includes a handle 70 and a pouring spout 72.
The cylindrical shape promotes better mixing and minimizes accumulation
of food or materials that may occur in containers having cross sectional
areas with edges or corners. However, other shapes for the container may
be used.

[0063]The collared jar 34 can be made from glass, plastic, metal, or any
other suitable, nontoxic material which can resist high stress.
Additionally, the inside of collared jar 34 may be coated with non-stick
coating such as Teflon® and the like to allow for better mixing or
easier cleaning.

[0064]The sides of the collared jar 34 taper outward from a location just
below the bottom juncture of the handle 70 and the sides, to both the
open top of the collared jar and the open bottom. The upper, tapered,
shape promotes good blending and processing of items in the collared jar
34, because it promotes flow of the items downward to the bottom of the
collared jar.

[0065]The bottom end of the collared jar 34 is opened so that it fits over
the attachment protrusion 46 of the blender base 32. In this manner, the
bottom end of the collared jar 34 serves as a collar that fits over the
attachment protrusion 46 of the blender base 32. As can be seen in FIG.
6, the lower inside of the collared jar 34 includes a scalloped surface.
The scalloped surface includes a series of concave triangular sections 74
connected at their bases, with the bases extending along the bottom edge
of the collared jar 34. Flat surfaces 76 extend between the areas defined
between the concave triangular sections 74. The concave triangular
sections 74 and the flat surfaces 76 are arranged and configured so that
when the collared jar 34 is fitted onto the attachment protrusion 46 of
the blender base 32, the concave triangular sections 74 fit over and
against the convex surfaces 50 of the rectangular protrusion, and the
flat surfaces 76 fit against the concave surfaces 48 of the attachment
protrusion. In this manner, the collared jar 34 does not rotate when
placed on the attachment protrusion 46 of the blender base 32.

[0066]Markings 78 (FIG. 6 only) indicating various ingredient levels for
recipes may be placed onto the collared jar 34 to assist the user. For
example, there may be markings 78 on the collared jar 34 to illustrate
the proper amounts of ice and liquid to use for making a particular drink
(e.g., a frozen margarita). Such markings 78 can be a permanent, such as
by etching or embossing the markings on the collared jar 78.
Alternatively, the markings 78 may be removable (e.g., removable
stickers) that are included with the collared jar 34, or that are
supplied separately to a user (e.g., with a recipe mix or the like).

[0067]A series of switch activators 80 (FIG. 6) are included on the inside
surface of the collared jar 34. The switch activators 80 are male
protrusions that are located just to one side of the junction of the
concave triangular sections 74 and the flat surfaces 76 and are aligned
and configured so that one of the switch activators abuts and engages the
second sensor switch 67 so the second sensor switch 67 is depressed when
the collared jar is pressed into position against the attachment
protrusion 46 of the blender base 32. By providing switch activators 80
at each of these junctures, one of the switch activators is arranged to
engage and depress the second sensor switch 67 upon placing the collared
jar 34 onto the attachment protrusion 46 of the blender base 32,
regardless of how the collared jar is rotated relative to the blender
base. The function of depressing the second sensor switch 67 is described
further below.

[0068]A lid 82 (FIG. 3) is provided that fits over the upper opening of
the collared jar 34. As can best be seen in FIG. 7, the lid 82 includes
flanges 84, made of rubber, TPE, or another suitable material, at a
bottom edge for snuggly fitting into the upper opening of the collared
jar 34. A central hole 86 extends through the center of the lid 82 and
includes tapered outer edges 88. The central hole 86 provides a
receptacle through which ingredients, such as ice or liquids, may be
added to the collared jar 34.

[0069]A removable cap 90 fits into the central hole 86. The removable cap
90 includes finger grips 92, 94 at top, outer edges, for gripping the cap
and removing it from the central hole 86. A cylindrical extension 96
extends out of the bottom of the cap 90. The cylindrical extension 96
fits snugly into, and closes the central hole 86 in the lid 82 when the
cap 90 is placed in the lid. The cylindrical extension 96 includes a
series of notches 98 evenly spaced along its bottom edge, the function of
which is described below.

[0070]An abutment surface 100 (FIG. 6) is provided above the scalloped
inner surface of the collared jar 34, and is arranged to abut against a
top surface 102 (FIG. 8) of a blade base 110. When inserted onto the
collared jar 34, the blade base 110 forms a sealed bottom for the
collared jar, and the two elements form an opened-top container. Although
described as being removably attachable (i.e., by threads) to the
collared jar, the blade base 90 may be permanently or removably attached
to the bottom of the collared jar 34 or another container. However,
providing a removable blade base 110 permits easier cleaning of the
blender 30.

[0071]The blade base 110 includes a novel blade unit 112 that enables the
blender 30 to have improved food-processing capabilities. The blade unit
112 may include any number of blades, but preferably includes at least
one generally U-shaped blade assembly such as is used in contemporary
blenders. In addition, the blade unit 112 includes a second blade
assembly that extends substantially radially relative to the rotational
axis of the blade unit.

[0072]The blade unit 112, as shown in an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 8,
includes a top or first blade assembly 114, a middle or second blade
assembly 116, and a third or bottom blade assembly 118. The blade
assemblies 114, 116, 118 may be made of any durable material such as
metal, steel, carbon, etc. which can be sharpened and withstand high
stress and heat.

[0073]The top blade assembly 114 and the bottom blade assembly 118 are
preferably similar to conventional blender blade designs (i.e., one or
more generally U-shaped blades). In particular, as shown in FIG. 9, the
top blade assembly 114 includes a central, substantially flat base 120
that extends generally radially with respect to the rotational axis of
the blade unit 112. A first blade 122 extends at a first angle upward
from the base 120, and a second blade 124 extends at a second angle from
the base. Providing the two blades 122, 124 at different angles from the
base provides enhanced blending and processing. Preferably, the blades
122, 124 are formed integrally with the base 120.

[0074]The bottom blade assembly 118 (FIG. 10) also includes a base 130
that extends generally radially with respect to the rotational axis of
the blade unit 112. First and second curved blades 132, 134 are
preferably formed integral with the base 130, and extend downward and
outward from the ends of the base 130. The curved shape of the blades
enhances blending and processing, and permits the edges of the blades to
extend to adjacent the bottom of the container formed by the collared jar
34 and the blade unit 112. In this manner, blended and processed items
are dislodged and forced upward from the bottom of the container.

[0075]The middle blade assembly 116 has, for example, a food processor
blade design (i.e., one or more blades that extend generally radially
from the rotational axis of the blade unit 112). In an exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the middle blade assembly 116 includes a
central base 136 and first and second blades 138, 140. The blades 138,
140 are coplanar with the base 136 and are curved, but may be straight in
alternate embodiments. The central base 136 and the first and second
blades 138, 140 are preferably integrally formed, but may be formed as
separate elements. In addition, the two blades 138, 140 may be provide on
alternate bases, and may be spaced axially from one another so that they
are not located in the same plane.

[0076]As subsequently described, the blender base 32 is preferably
designed so that the blade unit 112 may be rotated in forward and
backward directions, and/or may be oscillated. If a reverse function is
provided, the blades 122, 124, 132, 134, 138, 140 may be sharpened on
leading edges, and blunt on opposite edges, or may be sharpened on both
(i.e., opposite) edges. In addition, if desired, one or more of the
blades may be provided with different sharpened surface, such as a
serrated edge, to enhance or change the cutting of the blades. For
example, for the embodiment of the middle blade assembly 116 shown in
FIG. 11, the blades 138, 140 include sharpened leading edges 142, 144,
and blunt trailing edges 146, 148. As defined herein, the leading edges
are the edges that are forward (i.e., hit the blended items first) when
the blade unit is traveling in the forward direction. The trailing edges
are the rearmost (i.e., hit the blended items last) parts of the blades
when the blades travel in the forward direction. Providing a blunt edge
on the trailing end has been found to enhance mixing when the blade unit
is rotated in a reverse direction, whereas sharpening both edges has been
found to increase the cutting action of the blades and blending when
rotated in the reverse direction or oscillated.

[0077]The middle blade assembly 116 is sandwiched between the top blade
assembly 114 and the bottom blade assembly 118, and the three blade
assemblies are mounted on an upwardly extending rotational shaft 150. As
subsequently described, when the blade unit 112 and collared jar 34 are
placed on the blender base 32, the shaft 150 is rotated by the blender
base 32, which in turn rotates the combined blade unit 112,

[0078]It has been discovered that including a food processor design blade
(e.g., the middle blade assembly 116) in combination with one or two
conventional blender design blades (e.g., the top blade assembly 114 and
the bottom blade assembly 118) enables the blender 30 to have superior
chopping, cutting, and slicing capabilities. Specifically, the food
processor design blade often comes into contact with items that are
missed by conventional blender design blades. In addition, for those
items that are contacted, the food processor design blade hits them more
directly, most likely because the blade is not at an angle with respect
to the axis of rotation of the blade unit 112. The blade assemblies may
be spaced differently than they are spaced in the shown embodiment, but
it has been found that locating the blade assemblies adjacent to one
another in the sandwiched configuration provides these enhanced cutting
features, and provides the least amount of interference for placing into
the container items that are to be blended.

[0079]The blade unit 112 may be permanently or removably attached to the
blade base 110, and in one embodiment is riveted to the shaft 150 with a
washer 152 (FIG. 8). For example, the end of the shaft may be deformed
using an orbital riveting process to lock the blade unit in place, and
the washer may be used to help hold the blade unit in place. In an
alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-14, the blade unit 112 may include
an optional extraction mechanism 160 that allows a user to disengage
blade unit 112 from blade base 110. By removing the blade unit 112, the
container formed by the blade base 110 and the collared jar 34 may serve
as a pitcher, and the blade unit 112 may be easier to clean.

[0080]In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the extraction
mechanism 160 comprises a conical-shaped cap 162 that snaps over a
rotation shaft 164 for the blade unit 112. The conical-shaped cap 162 may
be made of rubber, plastic, or any other suitable nontoxic material. The
conical-shaped cap 162 includes a hollow interior (FIG. 13) having a
lower, tapered surface 166 that extends downward to a narrowed, flat
portion 168 at its lower surface. A spring 170 is mounted inside the
upper end of the conical-shaped cap 162, and is arranged to push downward
on a washer 172. A ball bearing 174 (or alternatively, a plurality of
ball bearings) is captured inside the conical-shaped cap 162 and below
the washer 172.

[0081]To attach the extraction mechanism 160, the cap 162 is pressed onto
the shaft 164. As the cap 162 is pressed downward, the ball bearing 174
or bearings are swedged between the tapered surface 166 and the shaft 164
(FIG. 12). The spring 170 maintains the ball bearing 174 in this
position, and the friction caused by the pressure of the spring 170
pressing the ball bearing against the shaft keeps the cap 162 in place.
If upward pressure is placed on the cap 162, for example by the blade
unit 112 or by a user trying to pull up on the cap, the ball bearing 174
is further driven into the shaft 164 by the relationship of the tapered
surface 166 and the shaft.

[0082]To remove the cap 162, a user may press inward on the sides of the
cap (FIG. 14), which drives the washer 172 up the tapered surface 166
against the force of the spring. This movement releases the tension
placed on the ball bearing 174, allowing it to roll freely into the space
defined by the tapered surface 166, the washer 172, and the shaft 164.
With the pressure and friction of the ball bearing 174 removed from the
shaft 164, the user may then easily remove the cap 162 from the shaft.

[0083]Other extraction mechanisms may be used. For example, a pair of lock
nuts may be used. However, an advantage of the described extraction
mechanism 160 is that it does not require tools for a user to remove the
blade unit 112.

[0084]As can be seen in FIG. 15, the bottom side of the blade base 110
includes a female connector 180 that is designed to fit on the male drive
element 56. The female connector 180 is preferably formed of metal, so
the male drive element 56 and the female connector may utilize a
metal-to-metal connection as described above. The female connector 180 is
rotatably mounted in the blade base 110 and is fixed to rotate with the
shaft 150 (FIG. 8). The bottom side of the blade base 110 also includes
radially-extending ribs 182.

[0085]The outer circumference of the blade base 110 includes a series of
evenly spaced cam surfaces 184 (best shown in FIG. 8). The cam surfaces
184 include an indentation 186.

[0086]To mount the blade base 110, the blade base is grasped by a user
(e.g., by the ribs 182), and is inserted into the bottom of the collared
jar 34 until the cam surfaces 184 extend between and beyond the switch
actuators 80 on the collared jar and into contact with the abutting
surface 100 (FIG. 17). A gasket 188 (FIG. 15), made of rubber or other
material, may be utilized to provide a snug fit of the blade base with
the abutting surface 100. The blade base 110 is then rotated until the
cam surfaces 184 engage the switch actuators 80. As rotation continues,
the cam surfaces 184 slide along the top of the switch actuators 80,
gradually pressing the blade base 110 against the gasket 188, until the
switch actuators 80 are located in the indentations 186. The blade base
110 is now in place, and the indentations prevent accidental
disconnection of the blade base from the collared jar. The blade base 110
may be removed by pushing the blade base in (effectively compressing the
gasket 188) to remove the switch actuators 80 from the indentations 186,
and the blade base is rotated and removed to move the switch actuators to
a position where they are free of the cam surfaces 184. The blade base
110 may then be pulled out of the bottom of the collared jar 34.

[0087]As shown in an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 15-18, the cap 90 is
designed so that it may be used to disengage and remove the blade base
110 from the collared jar 34. As described earlier, the cap 90 includes
notches 98. These notches 98 align with the ribs 182 on the blade base
110 to form a fitted connection for easier disengagement (e.g., by
turning) of the blade base 110 from the collared jar 34.

[0088]To remove the blade base 110 using the cap 90, the cap is removed
from the lid 82 (e.g., by grasping the cap with the finger grips 92, 94).
The notches 98 are aligned with and inserted on the ribs 182, and the
user presses the cap forward into the bottom of the collared jar 34 (FIG.
16) until the cam surfaces 184 extend between and beyond the switch
actuators 80 on the collared jar and into contact with the abutting
surface 100 (FIG. 17). The user then rotates the cap 90 and blade base
110 to lock the blade base into position, as described earlier. The cap
may be similarly used to remove the blade base 110 from the collared jar
34.

[0089]When placed on the blender base 32, one of the ribs 182 on the blade
base 110 engages the rotation lock 54. In this manner, the driving action
of the male drive element 56 does not rotate the blade base 110 off of
the collared jar 34 when the motor rotates the blade unit in a reverse
direction.

[0090]As an alternative to the blade base 110 and the collared jar 34, an
agitator collar 190 (FIG. 2) may be used with the blender base 32. The
agitator collar 190 includes essentially the same features as the bottom
portion of the collared jar 34 and the blade base 110. That is, the
agitator collar 190 includes a blade unit 112A, a female drive member,
the scalloped inner surfaces that are found on the lower inside of the
collared jar 34, and switch activators. However, in a preferred
embodiment, the features of the blade base 110 are formed integrally with
the agitator collar 190, as opposed to the connection that is used to
attach the blade base 110 to the collared jar 34. In addition, the
agitator collar 190 includes internal threads 192 (FIG. 19) at the upper,
inside portion of the agitator collar.

[0091]The threaded jar 36 (FIG. 2) includes male threads 194 that mate
with the internal threads 192 on the agitator collar 190. Otherwise, the
threaded jar 36 is configured similarly to the top portion of the
collared jar 34. The lid 82 and the cap 90 may be utilized with the
threaded jar 36, or another top may be provided. An advantage of the
threaded jar 36 is that it may be produced out of a different material
than the collared jar 34, providing a user additional versatility. For
example, the threaded jar 36 may be formed of glass, wherein the collared
jar could be formed of plastic. Another advantage is that the agitator
collar 190 may be used with other containers, as described below.

[0092]To use the threaded jar 36, the agitator collar 190 is threaded onto
the male threads 194, and the combined agitator collar and threaded jar
are mounted on the blender base 32. A gasket 195 may be used to assure a
snug fit.

[0093]The single serving beverage container 38 (FIG. 2) may also be used
with the agitator collar 190. To this end, the single serving beverage
container 38 includes male threads 196 at an upper end for mating with
the internal threads 192 on the agitator collar 190.

[0094]The single serving beverage container 38 (shown also in FIG. 19 is
slightly tapered along its length, and preferably is sized to fit into a
user's hand as well as a typical beverage holder in automobiles. A
removable cap 198 (FIG. 2) is provided that may be screwed onto the male
threads 196. The removable cap 198 may include a drinking hole, and/or
may include a closure tab to avoid spillage.

[0095]To use the single serving beverage container 38, the cap 198 is
removed (if present), and beverage ingredients are placed in the single
serving beverage container 38. The agitator collar 190 is then screwed
onto the male threads 196. A gasket 199 may be used to assure a snug fit.
The single serving beverage container 38 and the agitator collar 190 are
then inverted (FIG. 19) and installed on the blender base 32. The
beverage ingredients may then be mixed and/or blended by the blender base
32. The agitator collar 190 and the single serving beverage container 38
are then removed, inverted, and the agitator collar is screwed off of the
single serving beverage container. The cap 198 may then be screwed onto
the single serving beverage container 38, and the single serving beverage
container is ready for use.

[0096]The food processor 40 (FIGS. 2 and 20) may also be used with the
blender base 32. To this end, the food processor 40 includes a drive
collar 200 that is configured much like the agitator collar 190 in that
it includes a female drive member, the scalloped inner surfaces that are
found on the lower inside of the collared jar 34, and switch activators.
However, the drive collar 200 does not include the blade unit 112.
Instead, a drive shaft 201 (FIG. 2) extends out of the center of the
drive collar 200 and is connected for rotation with the female drive
member. In addition, unlike the agitator collar 190, the switch
activators on the drive collar 200 are arranged and configured to engage
the first sensor switch 66 (whereas the switch actuators 80 on the
agitator collar 190 and the collared jar 34 are arranged and configured
to engage the second sensor switch 67). The function of this difference
is subsequently described.

[0097]The remainder of the food processor 40 is of conventional design.
The food processor 40 includes a food mixing tub 202 having a chopped
food exit chute 204, a mixing and chopping blade 206, and a lid 210. The
lid includes an entry port 212. A pressing tool 214 may be included to
press food items through the entry port and into contact with the blade
206.

[0098]In use, the drive collar 200 is mounted on the blender base 32, and
the food tub 202 is placed over the drive shaft 201. The blade 206 is
placed on the drive shaft and is connected in a suitable manner. The lid
210 is then placed over the food tub 202. Food may then be inserted and
pushed through the entry port 212. If desired, additional blades may be
utilized that provide sweeping features so that the processed food may
exit the food exit chute 204.

[0099]FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a number of components that may
be used for operation of the blender base 32 in accordance with one
aspect of the present invention. As described in further detail below, a
user interface 222 is provided that allows a user to operate the blender
30 manually and/or select from various preprogrammed functions available.
The user interface 222 is connected to a microcontroller 224 which
includes, for example, a central processing unit (cpu) 226, a read only
memory 228 and a nonvolatile memory 230, such as electronically erasable
programmable memory ("E2 PROM"). However, although described with
these specific components, the microcontroller 224 may include any
software or hardware components that enable it to perform the functions
described herein. The microcontroller 224 is connected to or interfaced
with a power source 232, a motor 234, and a display 236.

[0100]The motor 234 is connected to the shaft 201 and its operation
rotates the blade unit 112. The motor 234 unidirectional (capable of
actuating or rotating the blade unit 3 in one direction only), or
bi-directional (capable of actuating or rotating the blade unit 112 in
either direction). The motor 234 may additionally be capable of
oscillating the blade unit 112.

[0101]A simplified circuit diagram for one embodiment of a motor 2341
that may be used with the blender base 32 is shown in FIG. 22. The motor
2341 has a single wound field, and thus typically has only two
leads. To reverse the motor 2341 additional leads are provided from
the motor that separate the winding of the motor from the rotor of the
motor. Once separated, reversing the wires on the rotor reverses the
motor. The circuit shown in FIG. 22 utilizes a double pole double throw
(DPDT) relay 240 to accomplish this function, and a triac 242 is used to
for speed control.

[0102]An alternative circuit for another single wound motor 2342 is
shown in FIG. 23. Instead of the DPDT relay 240 and the triac 242, the
single wound motor 2342 in FIG. 23 utilizes four triacs 242, 244,
246, and 248 to accomplish direction and speed control.

[0103]Although the single wound motors 2341, 2342, and related
circuits work well for their intended purpose, a problem with using the
single wound motors is complexity and cost of the switches.

[0104]To overcome this problem, a double wound motor 2343 (FIG. 24)
may be used for the blender base 32. Dual wound motors differ in that
they have two separate windings on the field, one powered for the forward
direction, and the other powered for reverse. The additional winding is
of nominal cost, and only two triacs 250, 252 have to be used in the
design, one for forward, and one for reverse. The control is greatly
simplified.

[0105]The motor 234 may also include a sensor 254 (FIG. 23). The sensor
254 is configured to provide the microcontroller 224 with information
regarding the strain placed on the motor during operation. The sensor
may, for example, utilize a hall effect sensor and a magnet to make a
simple tachometer to measure the speed, and then compare the actual speed
to known values to determine if the motor is operating in a legitimate
portion of the torque-speed curve such that the motor can cool itself.
The sensor 254 sends a signal to the microcontroller 224 if the motor is
not operating in this portion. The microprocessor 224 may use this
information to alter a routine being operated by the motor, as is
subsequently described.

[0106]As can be seen in FIG. 21, the first and second sensor switches 66,
67 are connected or interfaced to the microcontroller 224. The sensor
switches 66, 67 are configured to detect the presence of a container on
the blender base 32, and to determine which type of container is placed
on the blender base. To this end, the microcontroller 224 can determine
the presence of a container and/or the type of container by the
combination of switches 66, 67 that have been actuated (e.g., by the
switch actuators 80).

[0107]For example, the sensor switches 66, 67 may normally be in an opened
position. In such an embodiment, the microcontroller 224 may be
programmed such that, if none of the switches are closed, then the
blender base 32 will not operate. If, however, one or both of the sensor
switches 66, 67 is closed (e.g., by the switch actuators 80), the
specific switch or switches that are closed indicate to the
microcontroller exactly what container or type of container is on the
blender base 32. As an example, when the collared jar 34 is placed on the
blender base 32, the sensor actuators 80 depress the second sensor switch
67. Similarly, sensor actuators on the actuator collar 190 depress the
second sensor switch 67 when the actuator collar is placed on the blender
base. In contrast, when the food processor 40 is placed on the blender
base 32, the first sensor switch 66 is depressed. Yet another container
might engage and depress both the sensor switches 66, 67. As subsequently
described, the microcontroller 224 may use the container information to
provide particular functions for the blender base 32, or even to provide
relative information on the display 236.

[0108]The sensor switches 66, 67 may be any kind of mechanical or
electrical switch, which sends a signal or command, or closes/opens a
circuit when actuated. Various sensor technologies (e.g., infrared,
electrical, mechanical) may be used. Likewise, the switch actuators
(e.g., the switch actuator 80) may be any configuration or technology
that is necessary to trigger the sensor switches. In addition, more than
two sensors may be used so that additional containers may be sensed. A
single sensor may even be used that provides multiple functions (e.g.,
the blender base 32 does not operate if the sensor is not depressed, a
first container presses the sensor one amount and sends a first signal to
the microprocessor, and a second container presses the sensor a second
amount and sends a second signal to the processor.

[0109]As previously discussed, for the embodiment of the collared jar 34
shown in the drawing, a plurality of switch actuators 80 are provided so
that the collared jar may be attached to the blender base 32 from any
direction and still trigger the proper sensor switch 67. As an
alternative, a plurality of sensor switches, and only one actuator may be
used, or a sensor switch and the corresponding actuator may be centrally
located. In any event, it is preferred that, regardless the type of
switch, the switch may be actuated if the respective container is placed
on the blender base 32 in a variety of orientations.

[0110]Read only memory 228 is preprogrammed with various motor commands
(e.g., direction of rotation, speed, duration, reversing of rotation,
oscillation, etc.) designed to achieve a particular result. The
preprogrammed motor commands are grouped together according to a function
of the blender (e.g., the end result or purpose for which the blender
will be used). For example, a first memory section 260 may contain a
program with all the motor commands necessary to make salsa, and a second
memory section 262 may contain a program with all the motor commands
necessary to mix a drink, etc. These preprogrammed motor comments or
routines may be written using any conventional programming language such
as c plus, java, and the like.

[0111]The following is an example of a routine that works particularly
well for salsa:

[0112]The above sequence has been found to produce salsa having
ingredients thoroughly chopped, but none chopped so much as to make the
salsa too fine. By alternating the forward and reverse pulses, the
likelihood of food items being brought into contact with the blades
increases. By having only short bursts of the chopping, the salsa is not
made too fine. Although the above process has been found to work well,
variations, such as increasing the number of bursts, or the length of the
bursts, may be made for particular tastes (e.g., chunky salsa, different
ingredients, etc.). The first memory section 260 maintains instructions
for the blender base 32 so that it may implement the above routine.

[0113]Examples of other routines are shown in FIGS. 25-27. These figures
show example preprogrammed routines 264, 266, and 268 for making powdered
drinks, batter, and milkshakes, respectively. Although the shown
processes have been found to work well for their intended purposes, it
can be understood that the processes shown are examples and variations of
blender routines may produce similar results. The routines 264, 266, and
268 are written as executable instructions for the blender base 32, and
are stored in discrete data sections of the read only memory 228. As
subsequently described, the preprogrammed routines may be accessed and
implemented upon selection on the user interface 222 of the related
desired function for the blender base 32.

[0114]FIGS. 28, 29, and 30 illustrate exemplary embodiments for user
interfaces 2221, 2222, 2223 which may be used with the
blender base 32. One type, shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, includes a liquid
crystal display ("LCD") 270. A second type, shown in FIG. 28 may use one
or more light emitting diodes ("LED") 272. Features that are common to
the three user interfaces 2221, 2222, 2223 will be
explained first, followed by a description of the differences between the
user interfaces.

[0115]A power switch 274 is included on, the LCD and LED variants of the
user interface 222 to turn on or off the power. A start/stop switch 276
is also included to begin or stop operation of the blender.

[0116]A pulse switch 278 is provided that, when depressed, causes a
temporary power surge to motor 234. In this manner, the pulse switch 234
serves as a temporary "start" button that will cause the motor to run,
without hitting start/stop switch 276, as long as the pulse switch
remains depressed. The pulse switch 278 also can be depressed after
running a preprogrammed routine to run a continuation segment of the
preprogrammed routine. To this end, the E2 PROM 230 includes
programming which stores information about the last operation run, and if
that operation is a preprogrammed routine, the E2 PROM may select an
appropriate speed or operation to perform when pulse switch 278 is
depressed. For example, for a given preprogrammed routine (e.g., salsa),
a continuation operation may be stored in read only memory 228 (e.g.,
forward pulse, 1 second, followed by reverse pulse, one second). The
continuation function runs upon activation of the pulse switch 278.
Alternatively, the last speed and motor direction utilized by the
preprogrammed routine may be stored in E2 PROM 230, and that
operation may be temporarily continued when a user pushes the pulse
switch 278 after a program has ended. In any event, the continuation
function continues to operate until the pulse switch 278 is released.

[0117]A pause/resume switch 279 may be used to stop the operation (e.g., a
preprogrammed routine) of the blender when pressed a first time. The
pause/resume switch 279 resumes operation of the blender from where it
left off when pressed a second time.

[0118]The user interfaces 2221, 2222, 2223 also include
manual speed switches 280 (high) and 282 (low) so that the user can
manually control the speed and operating time of the blade unit 110 to
perform other functions not preprogrammed into the blender. If desired, a
motor speed indicator may be provided for the user interfaces 2222
and 2223 so that the user can monitor the relative speed of the
motor (e.g., the relative speed of the rotation of blade unit 110) on the
LCD 270 as the manual speed switches 280 or 282 are pressed. Such
relative speed may be indicated by text, bars, symbols, or the like. With
the LED-based user interface 2221, the relative speed of the motor
may be indicated by the position of the lighted LEDS 272 relative to
speed markers 284 (e.g., high, low; drink, food; etc.), or alternatively
by the relative blinking speed of a lighted LED.

[0119]A plurality of preprogrammed function switches 286 are included on
the LED-based user interface 2221 s of FIG. 28. The function
switches 286 represent various programs for functions or end results that
have been preprogrammed into the read only memory 228, as described
above. For example, pressing or touching a function switch 290 labeled
"salsa" will cause microcontroller 224 to access memory section 260 of
read only memory 228 for the program containing preprogrammed motor
commands used to make salsa, and the preprogrammed commands (e.g., the
commands described above) are executed by microcontroller 224 to control
the speed, pause time; and/or direction of the motor 234. To alert the
user which function or program is running, a LED 292 can light up on the
particular function switch 286 that was pressed.

[0120]The LED-based variants user interface 2221 shown in FIG. 28 may
include a progress indicator 294 that indicates the relative completion
of the program by color, lighted LED, or other suitable indication means.

[0121]As described above, the user interfaces 2222 and 2223
utilize the display 236, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) 270 or
another type of display. In such an embodiment, the E2 PROM 230
stores user-selectable parameters for the initial operation of the
blender base 32. When the blender base 32 having an LCD 270 is turned on,
the LCD 270 is initialized and set up in accordance with the stored
programming from the E2 PROM 230. Additionally, E2 PROM 230 may
include programming that allows the text in the LCD 270 to be displayed
in multiple languages (e.g., English, Spanish) or units (e.g., metric,
English).

[0122]The E2 PROM 230 may further include subsequent storage of
information in order to organize the LCD menu, for example based on the
most commonly selected functions or programs (e.g., the creation of a
"favorites list"). Alternatively, the E2 PROM 230 may maintain a
most recently used list so as to present recently-used functions or
programs.

[0123]In an exemplary embodiment of a LCD-based user interface shown in
FIG. 29, a plurality of function switches 300 are used to choose the
various functions or programs for the blender. Here, the function
switches 300 are lined up to correspond to a preprogrammed
function/program displayed on the LCD 2701. To select the program
displayed on the LCD 2701 screen, the user only need to press the
corresponding function switch 300.

[0124]In another exemplary embodiment of a LCD-based user interface
2223 as shown in FIG. 30, navigation switches 302 are used to choose
the various functions or programs for the blender. The navigation
switches 302 are directional buttons (e.g., back, forward, up, down, or
arrow symbols) that allow the user to navigate the LCD 2702 screen
until a particular function/program is selected using the select switch
304. A progress indicator, and/or a manual speed indicator, may appear on
the LCD 2702 screen.

[0125]The various switches described with reference to the user interfaces
2221, 2222, 2223 may be any kind of push button, membrane,
or touch sensitive buttons or switch known in the art which sends a
signal or command, or closes/opens a circuit when pressed or touched by
the user. In addition, if desired, the display 236 may be a
touch-sensitive screen, whereby a user may input operation functions by
touching the screen. Additional control methods may also be used, such as
voice-recognition programs, remote controls, or other features.

[0126]The microcontroller 224 may be programmed to implement only certain
functions based on which container is detected by sensors 66, 67. For
example, the microcontroller 224 may be preprogrammed to implement the
motor commands for making powdered drinks only if a regular blender or
single serving container (e.g., via the agitator collar 190) is placed on
the blender base 32. Thus, if the sensors 66, 67 detect a food processor
container on the blender base 32, then the microcontroller 224 will not
allow the powdered drinks program/function to be selected and
implemented. In such a circumstance, if the user wants to make powdered
drinks with a food processor container, the user may do so manually using
the manual speed switches 280 and 282.

[0127]The sensors 66, 67 and the microcontroller 224 may also be used to
determine what items are displayed on the display 236. For example, if a
mixing container (e.g., the collared jar 34 or a combination of the
agitator collar 190 and an attached container) is sensed by the sensors
66, 67, then the microprocessor instructs display of preprogrammed
routines for mixing containers.

[0128]FIG. 31 shows a process for operating the blender base 32 with the
LED-based user interface 2221 in accordance with one aspect of the
present invention. Beginning at step 310, the user first turns on the
power by pressing the power switch 2741. After a container and blade
unit (e.g., the collared jar 34 and the blade unit 112) have been
properly secured to blender base 32, and food or drink is loaded into the
collared jar, the user then selects a function/program for the blender
base at step 312 by pressing any of the various function switches 286. If
there is a particular function switch that is not available (e.g., no
preprogrammed motor controls for that function), the user can manually
control the motor with manual speed switches 280 and 282. Additionally, a
preset function switch 286 may not work if the sensors 66, 67 detect an
incompatible type of container for that function. Manual speed switches
280 and 282 could be used in that situation as well. An LED 292 on the
selected function switch 286 lights up to indicate to the user the
current selection.

[0129]Once a function is successfully chosen, the start/stop switch
2761 is pressed at step 314 to begin the programmed operation. The
microcontroller 224 runs the motor 234 based on the preprogrammed motor
commands stored in read only memory 228 for that selected function or
program. As described above, preprogrammed motor commands may include
instructions on, for example, how fast the motor will run, the direction
of blade rotation, the reversal of the blade rotation direction, the
duration of rotation in a given direction, the oscillation of the blade
unit, etc. A soft start program 330 (FIG. 21) in the microcontroller 224
may be provided to control or slow the acceleration of the motor 234 to a
desired speed for better processing or mixing than prior conventional
blenders where the motor accelerates to the maximum speed as fast as
possible.

[0130]As motor 234 runs during operation step 316, the progress of the
program is displayed on the progress indicator 294 while the
microcontroller 224 continues to execute the preprogrammed motor
commands. If desired, the sensor 254 may be used to determine if the
speed of the motor 234 has exceeded a threshold amount relative to the
motor's torque-speed curve (step 318). If so, the microcontroller 224 may
instruct the motor 234 accordingly. For example, the microcontroller 224
may instruct the motor to shut down. However, in accordance with one
aspect of the present invention, for some preprogrammed routines, such as
those that involve crushing and cutting of ice, the microcontroller 224
may instruct the motor to momentarily reverse direction, thereby possibly
dislodging the cause of the strain on the motor (step 320). The process
may then proceed back to operation (step 316). If desired, the
microprocessor may try only a set amount of times (e.g., twice) to
reverse and dislodge the motor 234.

[0131]At step 322, the pause/resume switch 2791 may be pressed by the
user to temporarily stop the blender operation. The program remains in
effect, but the implementation of the preprogrammed motor commands is
suspended and the status stored so that when the pause/resume switch 26
is pressed again at block 35, the microcontroller 15 at operation block
36 will simply resume the program from where it left off. Thus, for
example, if the program contained a preprogrammed motor command to rotate
the motor at 60 rps for ten seconds, and the pause/resume switch 26 is
pressed at step 322 five seconds into the program, then when the
pause/resume switch 26 is pressed again at block 35, the motor will
resume rotation at 60 rps for another five seconds before ending the
program.

[0132]If the operation has not been paused, then the program simply
continues until all of the preprogrammed motor commands for that function
or program are fulfilled at step 324. A termination tone may sound to
alert the user of the program completion. If the user is not satisfied
with the result and would like to continue the same program for an
arbitrary time period, the user may depress the pulse switch 2781
after the program ends.

[0133]The user can then turn off the blender at step 326, or begin the
process again at step 314 by loading new materials into the collared jar
34 and then selecting a function/program.

[0134]FIG. 32 illustrates a logic flowchart for the operation of the
blender base 32 with an LCD-based user interface 2222 or 2223,
in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The power is
first turned on at step 332 by pressing power switch 274. A menu of
options (FIG. 33) is then displayed on the LCD 270 at step 334. A
standard menu may appear each time the power is turned on, or the menu
may vary depending on which container is placed on the base 2 as detected
by sensors 66, 67. For example, if sensors 66, 67 identify a blender
container (e.g., the collared jar 34) on the blender base 32, then the
LCD menu 270 may display blender functions (e.g., a choice between drinks
or food, as shown in FIG. 33) instead of food processor functions (e.g.,
fruits, vegetables, etc.) The menu may also include an option for
choosing which language or measurement unit to display. Additionally, the
menu may be set up depending on the functions or programs most frequently
selected by the user. As described earlier, E2 PROM 230 may be
programmed to remember the most popular selections and to display them at
the start of each operation for the user to choose.

[0135]At step 336, the user navigates through the LCD menu using the
navigation switches 302 and makes selections using the select switch 304,
or the user simply makes a selection using the function switch 300. If a
particular function is not available on the menu, the user may manually
control the motor with manual speed switches 280 and 282. A function may
not be displayed if the preprogrammed motor controls for that function
are not available, or if that function is not available for the type of
container detected by sensor 66, 67.

[0136]In any event, in the examples shown in FIG. 33, "Drinks" are chosen
by the user, which navigates the user to a screen (FIG. 34) where the
user is shown a number of types of drinks that may be mixed by the
blender. After choosing "frozen drinks," the user is navigated to a
screen (FIG. 35) showing particular drinks. The user selects "Margarita."

[0137]In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the read
only memory includes recipes and/or instructions for blending or
processing certain items of food or drinks. The recipe is presented to
the user in step 338. An example of a recipe for a margarita is shown in
FIG. 36. The user may then select "done" to go forward with the
preprogrammed routine for the margarita.

[0138]Once a function is chosen, the start/stop switch 276 is then pressed
at step 340 to begin the operation. The microcontroller 224 then runs the
motor 234 based on the preprogrammed motor commands stored in read only
memory 228 for that selected function/program.

[0139]As the motor 234 runs at operation step 342, the progress of the
program is displayed on the LCD 270 (FIG. 37) while the microcontroller
224 continues to monitor and implement the preprogrammed motor commands.
As described earlier, the microcontroller 224 may also be programmed with
an enhanced speed control for the motor as well as a sensor control.

[0140]At step 344, the pause/resume switch 279 may be pressed to
temporarily stop the program (e.g., suspending the current implementation
of preprogrammed motor commands). The status of these commands are stored
by E2 PROM 230 so that when the pause/resume switch 279 is pressed
again at step 340, the microcontroller 224 at operation step 342 will
simply run the program from where it left off.

[0141]If the operation has not been paused, then the program simply
continues until all of the preprogrammed motor commands for that function
are fulfilled at step 346. A termination tone may sound to alert the user
of the program completion. If the user is not satisfied with the result
and would like to continue the same program for an arbitrary time period,
the user may depress the pulse switch 278 after the program ends.

[0142]At the end of the program, the LCD 270 returns to step 334 to
display the menu again and the user may proceed with another operation.
Alternatively, the user may turn off the blender base 32 at step 348.

[0143]In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, as a routine
is running, a user may activate one of the manual speed buttons 280, 282.
Preferably, doing so causes the motor speed for each operation during the
routine to increment. The amount each step increments may be determined
based upon how long the manual speed buttons are depressed.
Alternatively, the motor speed may be changed for only the particular
segment of the routine that is currently operating. Preferably, the
changes are not recorded to the read only memory 228 so that the routine
operates in the original modes (e.g., speeds) when the routine is
subsequently selected. Alternatively, a programming or similar button may
be provided to permanently save the changes.

[0144]Preferably, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
the blender base 32 includes an audible tone indicator 349 (FIG. 21) that
is associated with the microcontroller 224. The audible tone indicator
may be a buzzer, a bell, a whistle, a recording of a human voice or the
like, that gives an audible tone when the programmed routines are
complete, when the user needs to add ingredients to a recipe, or anytime
that the user presses a button for simple feedback.

[0145]FIG. 38 shows a process for setting possible operations of the
blender base 32 in accordance with the particular container (e.g.,
blender container or food processor container) located on the blender
base. Beginning at step 350, the sensors 66, 67 determine the presence of
a container on the blender base 32. If the container is a blender
container (e.g., the collared jar 34 or the threaded jar 36), then step
352 branches to step 354, where the microcontroller enables blender
routines for the blender base 32. As described earlier, this may, for
example, involve displaying the routines on the LCD user interface
2222 or 2223, or making blender function buttons available and
active on the LED user interface 2221. In addition, some other
processes, such as food processor routines, may be disabled or not
available (step 356),

[0146]In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the manual
speed range for the blender base may be determined by the type of
container present on the blender base 32. For example, the manual speed
range may be higher for a blender container, and lower for a food
processor container, so that the respective blades of these two
containers may operate at their standard speeds. Thus, in accordance with
this aspect of the present *invention, the manual speed of blender base
is set to blender at step 358.

[0147]If the container is not a blender container, step 352 branches to
step 360, where a determination is made if the container is a food
processor container. If so, step 360 branches to step 362, where food
processor routines are enabled. Likewise, some routines, e.g., blender
routines may be disabled (step 364). The manual speed of the blender base
32 is set to the food processor range in step 366. If the container is
neither a blender container or a food processor container, then step 360
branches to step 368, where the microcontroller handles accordingly. For
example, a separate type of container may be utilized with the blender
base 32, and routines and/or a particular speed range may be available
for that type of container.

[0148]Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention.
Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and
alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is
shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should
be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention
to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the
intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and
equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as
defined in the appended claims.